Here people affected by cancer or family and friends of those with cancer, can hear from others with similar experiences and connect with leaders in the fight for cancer survivorship. Here we can share information and learn from each other. Here we can find ways to make things better for Eastern Ontario’s cancer community.
The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation Team aims to give all those affected by cancer a VOICE. Through our blogger tool, we hope to connect with you – to find out what concerns you most. Be assured that we will do everything we can to make sure that your issues are addressed.
Above all the Cancer Foundation is the voice for cancer survivorship in our community. I invite you to be part of the growing conversation by engaging in our blog and visiting our new website often. www.ottawacancer.ca. This is an online community for cancer survivors, and their network of family and friends. On our website you can get the latest information on health news headlines, find out about the latest programs available through Wellspring Ottawa and hear stories from cancer survivors.
We welcome your feedback and want to hear from you.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hair I.D
It’s an odd thing to run around the house moments before you leave frazzled because you can’t find your hair; only to remember you left it in the glove compartment box of your car! What happened to the good ol’ days when I used to misplace my car keys?
Losing my hair for the second time during what I call “Chemotherapy Part Duex – The Transplant”, was surprisingly just as easy for me as it was the first time in 2008; it’s my memory now fogged by chemo that I miss the most! Why would my wig be scrunched into a hairy ball next to my insurance and identification papers in the glove compartment box? Well it’s a long story, but I will say this – thank god I didn’t get pulled over and asked for my papers, and it’s becoming common for me to flip my wig in favour of a going bald these days.
When a young woman first loses her hair during treatment her first inclination is to run out and buy a pricy wig to replace it. Heaven help her if she buys a real hair wig, those hairy monsters are hot! Most of us buy a synthetic wig that looked alot like our old hair, and then do all kinds of funny things with it like take pictures of the cat in it and email it to our friends (or is that just me?) - well everything but wear it!
I think in the beginning there is this big fear of losing your identity when your head hair becomes temporarily “disabled” (aka bald). But then something happens during treatment, you get too tired to bother with it one day and you leave the house without it and lo and behold your identity still came with you!
When I lost my long red hair the first time I did my best to embrace it. I had a big party, shaved my head in front of a big crowd and donated the hair to Locks for Love. I felt so good about giving up my hair to help someone else. But as the months passed and I watched my eyebrows, eye lashes, arm hair and even nose hair go I would panic at the alien looking back at me in the mirror, I could no longer see I what I thought was my identity.
When I lost my hair the second time I thought it would be harder, like a visual set back that said the cancer is not gone. But as the treatment got started again I almost couldn’t wait to shave my head! I needed to see that bald head as a visual reminder that it was time to reach within and pull out the true characteristics of my identity, those that make me a lean, mean, cancer fightin machine... having a mop of red hair or cute wig was not on the “things you must have to fight cancer” list. Which got me thinking about the absurdity of ever letting hair be on my identity list in the first place.
It takes an experience like cancer to show you that you can’t see your identity, only the stuff you put on top of it. These days I often feel that’s what a wig is, just something I put on top of my identity and I think why bother... so I shove it in the glove compartment box with all my other paid for identities that don’t really identify me.
Losing my hair for the second time during what I call “Chemotherapy Part Duex – The Transplant”, was surprisingly just as easy for me as it was the first time in 2008; it’s my memory now fogged by chemo that I miss the most! Why would my wig be scrunched into a hairy ball next to my insurance and identification papers in the glove compartment box? Well it’s a long story, but I will say this – thank god I didn’t get pulled over and asked for my papers, and it’s becoming common for me to flip my wig in favour of a going bald these days.
When a young woman first loses her hair during treatment her first inclination is to run out and buy a pricy wig to replace it. Heaven help her if she buys a real hair wig, those hairy monsters are hot! Most of us buy a synthetic wig that looked alot like our old hair, and then do all kinds of funny things with it like take pictures of the cat in it and email it to our friends (or is that just me?) - well everything but wear it!
I think in the beginning there is this big fear of losing your identity when your head hair becomes temporarily “disabled” (aka bald). But then something happens during treatment, you get too tired to bother with it one day and you leave the house without it and lo and behold your identity still came with you!
When I lost my long red hair the first time I did my best to embrace it. I had a big party, shaved my head in front of a big crowd and donated the hair to Locks for Love. I felt so good about giving up my hair to help someone else. But as the months passed and I watched my eyebrows, eye lashes, arm hair and even nose hair go I would panic at the alien looking back at me in the mirror, I could no longer see I what I thought was my identity.
When I lost my hair the second time I thought it would be harder, like a visual set back that said the cancer is not gone. But as the treatment got started again I almost couldn’t wait to shave my head! I needed to see that bald head as a visual reminder that it was time to reach within and pull out the true characteristics of my identity, those that make me a lean, mean, cancer fightin machine... having a mop of red hair or cute wig was not on the “things you must have to fight cancer” list. Which got me thinking about the absurdity of ever letting hair be on my identity list in the first place.
It takes an experience like cancer to show you that you can’t see your identity, only the stuff you put on top of it. These days I often feel that’s what a wig is, just something I put on top of my identity and I think why bother... so I shove it in the glove compartment box with all my other paid for identities that don’t really identify me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The more things change, the more they get to stay the same
What changes the week before a stem cell transplant that will change your life? Not much!
You would think a lot. You would think you would spend extra time doing the things you love, a special get together with friends, long walks in deep reflection, eat as much junk food as you want; okay well I did that one, but the rest of the week was life as usual.
I think when you have had cancer for so long, and been in treatment for so long it all becomes part of your normal. There are not many more cards in the mail, flower deliveries or long distance phone calls to ask “how that x-ray went?” Now it’s back to bills in the mailbox, Tuesday night pizza delivery and “can you pick up milk on the way home from your “umthinth” CAT scan?”
That’s not to say life is all bills to be paid, new chores upon old chores, or mundane; occasionally you still get presents. Why just this morning the cat left me a present on the front hall mat to thank me for forgetting to change his kitty box last night.
I tried to tell him that this was a very important stage in my life right now (as I scrubbed the floor), and that he ought to give me break, and that if my transplant was successful Id have the rest of my life to clean out his kitty box on time. His complacent stare told me he was unconvinced, not feeling guilty, and to get over it; today like every other day was going to be the usual mix of daily life and unexpected stuff.
Which makes a lot of sense really; how can one prepare for a life changing event while grumbling over current lack of change and unexpected change at the same time? I guess that’s why I haven’t done anything particularly special leading up to this life event. Life is always changing, and I think deep down the truly special change that will come from my stem cell transplant is that I get to go on with that life as usual.
You would think a lot. You would think you would spend extra time doing the things you love, a special get together with friends, long walks in deep reflection, eat as much junk food as you want; okay well I did that one, but the rest of the week was life as usual.
I think when you have had cancer for so long, and been in treatment for so long it all becomes part of your normal. There are not many more cards in the mail, flower deliveries or long distance phone calls to ask “how that x-ray went?” Now it’s back to bills in the mailbox, Tuesday night pizza delivery and “can you pick up milk on the way home from your “umthinth” CAT scan?”
That’s not to say life is all bills to be paid, new chores upon old chores, or mundane; occasionally you still get presents. Why just this morning the cat left me a present on the front hall mat to thank me for forgetting to change his kitty box last night.
I tried to tell him that this was a very important stage in my life right now (as I scrubbed the floor), and that he ought to give me break, and that if my transplant was successful Id have the rest of my life to clean out his kitty box on time. His complacent stare told me he was unconvinced, not feeling guilty, and to get over it; today like every other day was going to be the usual mix of daily life and unexpected stuff.
Which makes a lot of sense really; how can one prepare for a life changing event while grumbling over current lack of change and unexpected change at the same time? I guess that’s why I haven’t done anything particularly special leading up to this life event. Life is always changing, and I think deep down the truly special change that will come from my stem cell transplant is that I get to go on with that life as usual.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Message from the boys
Hello All,
Thank you for reading my blog posts this week. I enjoyed writing them even though it was a little intimidating to try to follow Greg Hebert, an incredible writer with a powerful message. I'd like to share this last post with my partners, Matt Whitteker and Eric Belanger. Thank you again for "tuning in." (Did I just age myself?)
--------------------------------------------------------
Excited
With Fight for The Cure 3 just eight days away I’m in a state of sheer excitement. To specify exactly which part of the event has me so sleepless is tough to pin down precisely. For one, in our third year I’m able to say that myself along with co founders Rob Imbeault, Eric Belanger and Scott Whitteker (year 1) are ecstatic about the community support we’ve received and we’re looking at a sell out event! Secondly, my regular correspondence, coaching and organizing the “white collar” boxers /boxing part of the event has been an incredible experience but I can say undoubtedly that I’m nervous for “my guys” having their first official boxing match. Finally the sheer buzz around the city for the Third Annual Fight for the Cure is overwhelming. With an estimated six media appearances and features leading up to the event the city of Ottawa has clearly embraced the event we’ve worked so hard to build.
This has truly been an outstanding experience which has been made possible by some exceptional people that we’ve met along the way. Sleep hours will be few, and the final preparations will be many but all will be more than worth it come March 27 watching “my guys” step into the ring for the first time to raise money for one incredible fight.
- Matt Whitteker
--------------------------------------------------------
Why we do it - Eric Belanger
Just over 3 years ago now Matt and I sat down and decided to kick off a major fundraising event in support of a charity. A charity of choice is often a personal decision and with so many great causes out there, we went through a priority process. First and formost we wanted to keep it local along with many other factors, we decided on the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Like most of you here and as it’s been said before, cancer has affected us in some form or another and will most likely continue to do so in the years to come. It is a battle that most are considered the underdog to win. Personally, as head coach at Final Round Boxing, I help people win battles daily with life, health and of course inside the ropes. Being competitive by nature, a good challenge and being considered the underdog is something I am always up for and am often confident to come out on top. The battle called cancer is no exception, I am confident that if we all do what we are capable of doing, whether it be organize or participate and support an event such as Fight For the Cure, being the scientist in the lab or the caring doctor at the patient’s bedside, we will win. And I look forward to the day where Matt, Rob and I must revisit our event in search of a new challenge and celebrate our victory!
In 8 days from now you will witness a community come together for one unique night and take a step forward towards that victory. Personally, I would like to thank ALL of our sponsors, specifically the Heart and Crown along with everyone who has worked so hard to make this event a sure success. The volunteer boxers who have trained day in and day out, the volunteer officials and referees donating their time, the ORCF staff and volunteers, all Final Round Boxing members and volunteers, and of course, our white collar boxers who have spent the last few months in training, taking the risk of stepping into that ring and participating in our fight for the cure in a way only few can ever experience.
- Eric Belanger
--------------------------------------------------------
I've mentioned the Heart & Crown a lot this week, but I'd like to quickly thank our other sponsors that are helping make Fight For The Cure a success this year.
Hampton Inn Conference Centre - www.hamptoninnottawa.com
Konica Minolta - www.konicaminolta.ca
Ottawa Business Journal - www.obj.ca
Mezzanotte - www.mezzanotte-bistro.com
Enviropure - www.enviropurehome.com
Fari Detailing - www.fari.ca
Carried Away Gift Baskets - http://tr.im/SmNZ
Empire Grill - www.empiregrill.com
Soma Health & Fitness - www.somahealthandfitness.com
See you Ringside!!!
Rob Imbeault
Thank you for reading my blog posts this week. I enjoyed writing them even though it was a little intimidating to try to follow Greg Hebert, an incredible writer with a powerful message. I'd like to share this last post with my partners, Matt Whitteker and Eric Belanger. Thank you again for "tuning in." (Did I just age myself?)
--------------------------------------------------------
Excited
With Fight for The Cure 3 just eight days away I’m in a state of sheer excitement. To specify exactly which part of the event has me so sleepless is tough to pin down precisely. For one, in our third year I’m able to say that myself along with co founders Rob Imbeault, Eric Belanger and Scott Whitteker (year 1) are ecstatic about the community support we’ve received and we’re looking at a sell out event! Secondly, my regular correspondence, coaching and organizing the “white collar” boxers /boxing part of the event has been an incredible experience but I can say undoubtedly that I’m nervous for “my guys” having their first official boxing match. Finally the sheer buzz around the city for the Third Annual Fight for the Cure is overwhelming. With an estimated six media appearances and features leading up to the event the city of Ottawa has clearly embraced the event we’ve worked so hard to build.
This has truly been an outstanding experience which has been made possible by some exceptional people that we’ve met along the way. Sleep hours will be few, and the final preparations will be many but all will be more than worth it come March 27 watching “my guys” step into the ring for the first time to raise money for one incredible fight.
- Matt Whitteker
--------------------------------------------------------
Why we do it - Eric Belanger
Just over 3 years ago now Matt and I sat down and decided to kick off a major fundraising event in support of a charity. A charity of choice is often a personal decision and with so many great causes out there, we went through a priority process. First and formost we wanted to keep it local along with many other factors, we decided on the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Like most of you here and as it’s been said before, cancer has affected us in some form or another and will most likely continue to do so in the years to come. It is a battle that most are considered the underdog to win. Personally, as head coach at Final Round Boxing, I help people win battles daily with life, health and of course inside the ropes. Being competitive by nature, a good challenge and being considered the underdog is something I am always up for and am often confident to come out on top. The battle called cancer is no exception, I am confident that if we all do what we are capable of doing, whether it be organize or participate and support an event such as Fight For the Cure, being the scientist in the lab or the caring doctor at the patient’s bedside, we will win. And I look forward to the day where Matt, Rob and I must revisit our event in search of a new challenge and celebrate our victory!
In 8 days from now you will witness a community come together for one unique night and take a step forward towards that victory. Personally, I would like to thank ALL of our sponsors, specifically the Heart and Crown along with everyone who has worked so hard to make this event a sure success. The volunteer boxers who have trained day in and day out, the volunteer officials and referees donating their time, the ORCF staff and volunteers, all Final Round Boxing members and volunteers, and of course, our white collar boxers who have spent the last few months in training, taking the risk of stepping into that ring and participating in our fight for the cure in a way only few can ever experience.
- Eric Belanger
--------------------------------------------------------
I've mentioned the Heart & Crown a lot this week, but I'd like to quickly thank our other sponsors that are helping make Fight For The Cure a success this year.
Hampton Inn Conference Centre - www.hamptoninnottawa.com
Konica Minolta - www.konicaminolta.ca
Ottawa Business Journal - www.obj.ca
Mezzanotte - www.mezzanotte-bistro.com
Enviropure - www.enviropurehome.com
Fari Detailing - www.fari.ca
Carried Away Gift Baskets - http://tr.im/SmNZ
Empire Grill - www.empiregrill.com
Soma Health & Fitness - www.somahealthandfitness.com
See you Ringside!!!
Rob Imbeault
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Rocky MacDougall
This year's honouree is Rocky MacDougall. Trevor MacDougall my long time friend and colleague, has been an avid supporter of FFTC since its inception and is now an active committee member. Trevor lost his uncle last year to cancer. Rocky is the epitome of a Canadian hero. After completing his military service he earned his Bachelor & Education Degrees at Saint F.X. University. This enabled Rocky to begin a teaching career in the Antigonish / Guysborough area which lasted over 27years. Although he was an accomplished boxer, he often stated that teaching young children gave him more satisfaction than anything he accomplished in the ring. Rocky had a remarkable career in boxing. He turned professional in 1960 and went on to capture the Canadian Professional Featherweight Championship in 1965, a title he held until 1967. In 1969 he regained the Canadian Featherweight Championship, which he held until he retired from competitive boxing in 1972. Rocky was a member of the Canadian Professional & Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame along with being a life member of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association.
For those of you who know Trevor MacDougall, you would agree it wouldn't be too bold to suggest that he himself is a bit of a celebrity in the Ottawa community. He was indeed endowed with the gift-of-gab and tremendously friendly with any and every one who came in to contact with him. While uncle Rocky was in his last few weeks, it was difficult to see Trevor in a quiet disposition with which I can unfortunately relate when I watched my grandfather whither away. Trevor has since volunteered his time and resources to the FFTC committee and we will be honouring Rocky MacDougall this year with our new-found Robbie Wilcox Honorarium Award.
For those of you who know Trevor MacDougall, you would agree it wouldn't be too bold to suggest that he himself is a bit of a celebrity in the Ottawa community. He was indeed endowed with the gift-of-gab and tremendously friendly with any and every one who came in to contact with him. While uncle Rocky was in his last few weeks, it was difficult to see Trevor in a quiet disposition with which I can unfortunately relate when I watched my grandfather whither away. Trevor has since volunteered his time and resources to the FFTC committee and we will be honouring Rocky MacDougall this year with our new-found Robbie Wilcox Honorarium Award.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Robbie Wilcox Honorarium Award
Instead of spending money on a celebrity guest, where that money could go straight to the Foundation we have chosen to honour a survivor or fallen friend as a representative of the loved ones we've lost and the ones who are still with us. To be honest first year, this was more because we had no money and therefore no choice, but last year something interesting happened. We mistakenly booked FFTC 2009 one week after the Canadian National Tournament which means that most boxing clubs either had no fighters to send or their coaching team simply weren't free. Eric Belanger, Final Round's Head Coach, was in charge of the match making and he himself attended the nationals with our competitors. It was two days before the event and prospects were grim. Eric took a chance and called a coach/friend from Hamilton, Bob Wilcox. The Wilcox's is a boxing family with six children; Jessie, Steve, Sheldon, Bradley, Spencer and Amber. All five sons either compete or are interested in boxing and took part in the national tournament so it was a long shot that they would be able to drive all the way from Hamilton, Ontario to fight in a one night fight night one week after flying to Edmonton for the Nationals. Eric explained the situation and Bob’s answer was a quick "We're in!" Surprised, Eric said thank you and we were all set. We came to find out that the Wilcox family had another little boy. Robbie was 7 when he passed away from cancer and when Bob heard the event was to benefit the Cancer Foundation it was an immediate yes. Eric went to trophy store to get one more plaque which he himself paid for to present to the Wilcox family. We have since decided to honour someone at our event which will be embody the ones we love who have been affected with the disease and award them with the Robbie Wilcox Honorarium Award. We feel this is a great way to bring the community just a little bit closer.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Along The Way
It’s often said that life’s a journey, not a destination and this event has proven to be no different. The first year I was able to offer my time and services through my company, 10Count, but the last two years have brought me something I hadn’t considered, which are new friends. I have made some great professional contacts and more importantly I have forged new friendships as well as strengthened existing ones. We all come together to share a common goal and we all have our parts to play.
The white collar fighters are executives and entrepreneurs who take on this challenge and even though they initially face a rude awakening when they find out how hard this sport truly is, they stay. They get in the ring and they fight. Each one of them has their own reason for participating and every one of them challenges themselves to see how far their body will take them which is usually much further than they would have guessed. I’ve gotten to train with them, yell at them to finish their circuits and I’ve even gotten in the ring and pushed them as far as they can be pushed. Some are too shy to hit me, others not shy enough (Jim!). I love to see them realize that they are much stronger and more in shape than they thought they were. They walk, or mildly limp, away from the work out dripping in sweat, maybe a little blood, with a private accomplished smile on their face. I’m honoured to know these individuals who push themselves, even if it means putting themselves in harm’s way, for the memory of loved one or a chance at saving a stranger. Either way I am tremendously lucky to know them and luckier still to call them my friends.
Last year in the midst of a global recession, we weren’t sure we could pull the event off. We had no sponsorship and it seemed it might have to wait another year. A member of the Fight For the Cure committee, and long-time friend, Trevor McDougall, mentioned that the legendary Heart & Crown were interested in helping. We had a meeting and the rest is history. The Heart & Crown Irish Pubs have a history of generous and thoughtful philanthropy in our community. They are dedicated partners in our event and are truly appreciated for their active involvement with us and their many philanthropic initiatives. Also, it’s the HEART & CROWN!!! ...which is pretty much the best pub in the city!
I have met some incredible people at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. It’s amazing to me to see that it’s more than just a job to them and I have made and I continue to make some great friends with many of them. They get sincerely excited for each event. They work tirelessly alongside us to help make our event a success. Thank you guys! You are all amazing!
Out of the three of us, I would have to say that Matt Whitteker is the champion of this event. I do my part in trying to arrange sponsorships and selling tables and Eric Belanger has more than his hands full in developing our Final Round competitive team which has yielded several national level caliber fighters, two of them Canadian Champions, since we started only 3 years ago. Matt takes it upon himself to train all the white collar fighters. While this may be fun, it is hundreds of hours of his time leading up to the event. He is on the committee and when a fight fell through at the last second on fight night in year one Matt changed in to his gear, got in the ring and fought despite trying to run the show. I thought I’d take this opportunity to acknowledge the fact that he’s done a tremendous job on both Final Round and Fight for the Cure. I’ve also partnered with Matt on a few successful business endeavors and he shows great ambition. One more thing, he’s only 26.
If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading!
The white collar fighters are executives and entrepreneurs who take on this challenge and even though they initially face a rude awakening when they find out how hard this sport truly is, they stay. They get in the ring and they fight. Each one of them has their own reason for participating and every one of them challenges themselves to see how far their body will take them which is usually much further than they would have guessed. I’ve gotten to train with them, yell at them to finish their circuits and I’ve even gotten in the ring and pushed them as far as they can be pushed. Some are too shy to hit me, others not shy enough (Jim!). I love to see them realize that they are much stronger and more in shape than they thought they were. They walk, or mildly limp, away from the work out dripping in sweat, maybe a little blood, with a private accomplished smile on their face. I’m honoured to know these individuals who push themselves, even if it means putting themselves in harm’s way, for the memory of loved one or a chance at saving a stranger. Either way I am tremendously lucky to know them and luckier still to call them my friends.
Last year in the midst of a global recession, we weren’t sure we could pull the event off. We had no sponsorship and it seemed it might have to wait another year. A member of the Fight For the Cure committee, and long-time friend, Trevor McDougall, mentioned that the legendary Heart & Crown were interested in helping. We had a meeting and the rest is history. The Heart & Crown Irish Pubs have a history of generous and thoughtful philanthropy in our community. They are dedicated partners in our event and are truly appreciated for their active involvement with us and their many philanthropic initiatives. Also, it’s the HEART & CROWN!!! ...which is pretty much the best pub in the city!
I have met some incredible people at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. It’s amazing to me to see that it’s more than just a job to them and I have made and I continue to make some great friends with many of them. They get sincerely excited for each event. They work tirelessly alongside us to help make our event a success. Thank you guys! You are all amazing!
Out of the three of us, I would have to say that Matt Whitteker is the champion of this event. I do my part in trying to arrange sponsorships and selling tables and Eric Belanger has more than his hands full in developing our Final Round competitive team which has yielded several national level caliber fighters, two of them Canadian Champions, since we started only 3 years ago. Matt takes it upon himself to train all the white collar fighters. While this may be fun, it is hundreds of hours of his time leading up to the event. He is on the committee and when a fight fell through at the last second on fight night in year one Matt changed in to his gear, got in the ring and fought despite trying to run the show. I thought I’d take this opportunity to acknowledge the fact that he’s done a tremendous job on both Final Round and Fight for the Cure. I’ve also partnered with Matt on a few successful business endeavors and he shows great ambition. One more thing, he’s only 26.
If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading!
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